Who we are
The Raincoast Education Society (RES) is an independent non-profit society and registered Canadian charity. The RES was established in August 2000 with a mission to help shape an environmentally sustainable future for the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region through education and community stewardship. Our aim is to enable citizens within and beyond the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region to participate knowledgeably, effectively and responsibly in the work of shaping this future for our region and for our planet.
We seek to accomplish our mission by delivering a broad range of high-quality educational and interpretive programs, such as field school, speaker series, summer camps, school programs, and events focused on the natural environment, cultures, and communities of the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region. We also bring outside educators and experts to our region for programs and presentations. We work with a broad range of public, private and community institutions and agencies, both within and beyond the region to establish and maintain a high-caliber education and interpretive network, and to reflect a wide range of perspectives.
History
The Raincoast Education Society has a rich past – from our early days as the Raincoast Interpretive Centre to our current home in the Tofino Botanical Gardens. We have been in operation since 2000 and throughout this time we have engaged with our community in many diverse ways – we have had many extraordinary ideas, discussions, and people come in and out of our organization. Each program, project, and person has been an important part of our story.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed along the way!
Team
Mark Maftei
Tami Belliveau
Sarah Timberlake
Hannah Richards
Derek Zandvliet
Supporters
The Raincoast Education Society would not exist without the generous support of our community donors and partners. We are incredibly grateful that you’ve decided to join us in our efforts to conserve Clayoquot and Barkley Sound’s old-growth forests, streams, shorelines, and waters, and maintain our region as one of the most ecologically rich landscapes on the planet. Thank you for being with us every step of the way.
Need help?
If you have any questions about our courses, our events, or just us in general – we’re here to help!